Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Ever find yourself in a rut? Unwittingly doing the same things over and over? Perhaps mastering your area of expertise, but loathe to get out there and try something new?

We can easily fall into these patterns of repeated behavior. Develop a routine. Live within our comfort zone. But it has always been my experience that somewhere in the background is a distant, quiet call for something different. Not necessarily a critical voice, just one pulling us forward, reminding us that this is the only life we get, and that we might as well find/create our own path.

So when you see yourself (as you do just that -- by stepping back as a witness), becoming trapped by the confines of a repetitive activity, as time march on, or the opportunities slide by, ask yourself just why you are limiting yourself in that manner.

And ask if the comfort of that routine is equivalent to the potential opportunities, new vistas, and unexpected beauty that waits around the alley way or back road toward a new destination. Of course, you can never fully analyze the known against the unknown. And in that uncertainty awaits some of the inherent beauty as well.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Patterns are everywhere. But sometimes they seem "different". A little foreign. A bit exotic. And how does that make you feel?

Do you fear that with which you are not familiar? Perhaps you feel like an outsider -- not party to the customs and traditions. Of course, it may be difficult if not impossible to communicate using words. But, if you can get into the right mindset, that might even be an advantage. We've talked before how words can get in the way of profound observations and insights.

One unmistakable trend in our lives today is that the world is getting smaller. We are becoming more globally connected. More people have the means and wherewithal to travel to distant lands. More unique goods from remote provinces are now as close as your mouse and internet connection. Crude translation tools are available to get at least the jist of the message. And in many of our larger cities, you will find collections of immigrants, often working hard to maintain their traditions, their unique clothing, and customs.

To me it is something to embrace, rather than fear. (Although that fear may be instinctual, so it will require active awareness on your part.) It helps us recognize what we have in common as well as what is unique about each of us. We have in common our humanity. Our desire to avoid suffering. And from this shared humanity, we have the potential to find common ground. To act for the greater good. To embrace our brothers and sisters, no matter their nationalities, their faiths, their traditions.

Beyond this planet there are billions and billions of miles of cold dark space. Right here, right now, there are billions and billions of human beings. Do you see that we are made from the same cosmic stuff? And that which has made us "different" is so small compared to that which has made us the same. Those differences add color and pattern to life, like the spices we add to our food, to improve the flavor. Embrace those differences. Explore them. Look deeply into them. And see in their eyes the same longing they see in yours.

We all fall into patterns of behavior, right? Old habits die hard, they say. And yet, you are not trapped by them. They need not control you. You need only to be aware of them, and to have the intention to change them. Those two perceptions, and you are well on your way to changing your behavior.

What are these patterns, anyway? They are imprints, I suspect. Neural connections that have been created and reinforced through repeated behavior. Thanks to positive or negative reinforcement. Either by others, or by yourself. And we know that these connections can be changed.

But it does take effort on your part. First comes awareness. You must wake up -- become conscious of your actions -- and then quiet your mind so that you can witness the patterned behavior. Not sure you can do that? It is most certainly possible -- that is one of the primary outcomes from meditation. But you need not sit on the cushion and chant. Some people do it while running. Others ponder a deep thought. Still others contemplate. Many find it easier when alone, perhaps in tune with nature.

Once you realize that you can witness your behavior as it arises, you realize that you are not that. And with this realization comes the possibility of setting a different intention. Then as the witness, you can act -- rather than react -- to the patterned behavior, and choose a different response. It is really very empowering. Give it a try sometime.

And back to the pattern in the picture. Can you tell what it is? Well, this time there was some post-photo processing. The day was overcast, and the sun was all but lost behind the clouds. And it was grey, grey, grey.

But by selecting some alternate colors, and playing with the saturation, contrast, and exposure, and cropping and reorienting the photo -- voila -- a new pattern was created. And the structure that is causing the pattern? A roller coaster track that is really quite a bit steeper. Just goes to show -- patterns are there to be changed, if you want. Create something new. You have that power.

The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react. -- George Bernard Shaw

We are wrapping up this week-long Texture series with something warm and fuzzy.

Sometimes, warm and fuzzy just feels nice. It welcomes you -- trying not to resolve issues -- not to confront issues -- but just to welcome you and the issues to relax.

Can you feel the warmth of the sun shining down on you? Hear the gentle breeze as it whispers to all of the grasses -- "move this way, now that way, back and forth," and you move to the rhythm as well. Can you touch them, in your mind's eye, and feel them tickle your palms as they sway and rustle.

Once more, the flow is illustrated. In many ways, with many metaphors. Find that flow. Be that flow. And you will gain that warm and fuzzy feeling deep inside, as you recognize your Self in every beautiful moment.

And also in ways we cannot "see". Like quiet voices and resolute opinions influencing groups of people to take action. Or actions take over here, that through some unseen, multi-step process, eventually have impacts and consequences way over here -- never even imagined.

You see, connections represent one of the greatest textures of our life. And to remember that they are both seen and unseen, and are ever present, gives us something to always keep in mind. You really are connected to it all.

Another aspect of life's texture (at least to me), is the quantity of phenomena that you are exposed to, and the subset that you choose to focus on. Think of it -- you are constantly bombarded by sensations, images, feelings, voices (internal and external), and you cannot possibly focus on all of them. You must choose to filter, and choose to focus.

And it is my belief that what you choose to focus on will in large measure determine the character of your world. That's right. We are all potentially exposed to myriad messages, and some people tune in and react to one set, and other people focus on and react to another set.

No, this doesn't mean you create the weather. But it will influence whether you find the raindrops bothersome or joyous. It really depends on what you focus on, and how you choose to process that which you allow yourself to receive. So choose wisely. This fundamental "intention" will in large measure determine your happiness.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Growing. Together. Living. Side-by-side. That's what we are all doing. With each other. And with nature.

So come on, take someone's hand and hold it. Care for others, rather than only self. Show compassion. Befriend all things.

If we are going to live this close together, we might as well be friends.

So the texture here is in our relationships. How are yours? Are the deep? Are they broad? And are they a source of joy? If not, you may wish to consider a change in how you view or value relationships.

Because, in the end, no man is an island. Everything truly is connected. Why not celebrate and take advantage of that reality? And walk hand in hand as you care for one another.

Monday, February 19, 2007

This week, I think, a collection of photos that capture a sense of texture. They are all from a recent trip to London, and a visit while there to Kew Gardens.

Texture, to me, is a catch-all that represents a certain depth to life. It represents not only seeing things, but taking in clues from your other senses. Tasting the warm, humid air, smelling the rich soil and moss, hearing the misters watering the plants, feeling the feathery edges of the ferns.

It is amazing, isn't it, how so much of that is lost in a simple photograph. But hopefully, these will try to evoke some of those senses as you consider the texture of the plants you see, and the play of light and color in the image itself.

This picture is after our recent ice storm, that took down many trees and even more limbs. Typically, birches are one of the first to go, since they have many delicate branches that just collect the ice. This one doesn't look too good, but at least it didn't break. Will it ever fully recover?

I don't know. There is the saying "that which does not break me, makes me stronger." We'll have to see if that applies to trees.

Looks like a rather ominous full moon peering through stormy clouds, doesn't it?

Actually, it was my first day out with my new camera, and I was playing with the settings. If you look at the exposure info, you'll see a very fast shutter, very high f-number (which implies very, very bright conditions), and then a maximum under-exposire bias of 5 f-stops.

This was actually a photo looking directly into the sun as it broke through some clouds.

Ah well, it gives me some understanding of the range and potential of this new tool. I'm expecting to have lots of fun.

OK, so here's the story. I have a new camera, right? So it seemed logical that I would take it down to Washington, DC for my work trip. Maybe I could get into the city at night and take some cool photos.

While traveling between meetings, I see this steam rising from out on a public road, and thought it looked rather cool (or hot ;-) So I walked over and started taking pictures. Then all of a sudden I hear "Hey you, with the camera!" Uh oh.

Turns out security people really don't like you taking pictures (even in public streets) within eye shot of the Pentagon. Fortunately, I was able to show what I photographed (ah, the joys of a digital camera), and even offered to erase the memory card, but was given the "all clear" when he could see they were just close-up pictures of the steam.

Ever get that "out of kilter" feeling? When for whatever reason, you are not standing as straight and tall as you'd like? Fighting against something -- nature, wind, time? Perhaps your foundation is not well prepared.

Sounds like a wake-up call to me. A warning that someting is not right -- perhaps not in alignment with your core beliefs, your intentions, your heart.

Hey, I consider that good news. It means we are designed with a feedback loop that helps us course-correct. Shore up the foundation. Apply a little TLC. And the sooner the corrections are made, the better off you'll be. Before too much damage is done. Before someone comes by to condemn.

Blessed is the wake-up call. Perhaps it is even divine. Who knows -- but welcome it.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

While I await to gather up some new photos with my new camera, I thought I'd reach back into my archives and see what those little point and shoots could deliver. Here's one I like (with a little post processing to dial up the contrast).

Will there be many differences? You bet. This picture is only a megapixel. It wouldn't blow up very well. And frankly the digital noise would become quite bothersome on anything over ISO 100.

If I recall correctly, this state-of-the-practice point and shoot cost almost as much as my new Nikon D40 dSLR. Gotta love that kind of progress. It is truly amazing how far they've come with digital technology in four short years. And of course, the tools will continue to improve.

But don't wait around -- because in the meantime -- both "art" and memories are waiting to be made.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Are you looking a little weathered? Is your paint beginning to peel? Are your shingles all intact?

Chances are, if you have any life experience points at all, you've been exposed to the weather of life, and have some tell-tale signs. Maybe you should get resided? Scrape off the old and throw on a new coat of paint? What do you think? Madison Avenue would be pulling for you.

Or maybe, just maybe, you kinda like the look. It acknowledges the experiences you've gained over the years. Would you trade those in? Most people I've talked to -- myself included ;-) -- wouldn't trade that wisdom for anything. At least that's true for people who have been growing and gaining insights throughout their lives.

It makes living so much more rewarding. Less taken for granted. More depth to each experience. With a soul that shines through.

That's what I see in this building -- lots of soul. A neat, funky place that would just be fun to poke around in. Find the shop owner and have a cup of tea. Share stories and wisdom.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

A tender and delicate butterfly found on the ground, injured and apparently unable to fly. So I picked him up and brought him to my balcony, and placed him in the flower box, seeing if he might be able to take flight. If he could, it was after I had left.

I don’t know about you, but I think he is looking right at me. And saying thanks for the kindness. Perhaps he just hung around until I got a good photo ;-)

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

I must confess. I really enjoy a good ice storm. So long as it doesn't bring down the power for too long (and sorry, I can only imagine what the utility people go through during and after one).

It's interesting the difference just a degree can make. Right on the borderline. Just a little warmer, and this would be just one more rain storm. Just a little colder and it would have been our biggest snow storm of the season. But instead, the ice just kept collecting and collecting.

Look at the small size of that branch, and yet the thickness of the ice. It took a good many days, lots of sun, and high winds before the trees had shed their icy garments. And talk about beautiful. Wow.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Our neighbors brought some tulips when they came over for dinner. Very thoughtful. But then, we're blessed with great neighbors.

Tulips can look so different on the surface, than when you look deep inside. Or if you see them only from afar, rather than getting up close and personal. Just like people, it would seem.

Whatever the exteriors might show, look inside for the explosion of color. Deep indigos blend with violet and then a star of white erupts with yellows and blues. And not just colors, but contours and textures and smells. The fullness and the multi-dimensionality. The blending of each shade and hue. The complexity and the simplicity and the miraculous are all found inside.

The interior is worth our time. Don't waste your passing glances on the exterior. Saddle on up and plumb the depths.

Need some help? Finding that a little intrusive? Come on, have another glass of wine. We have all night.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Taking a little break from the 'deep thought' entries, and getting back to art for a while. So here we go.

My wife and I were taking an evening stroll, to see what havoc the ice storm was wreaking. I was finishing off my wine from dinner and at the top of the driveway, my wife suggested walking on an icy road with a crystal goblet was not the brightest move I'd ever made.

So I left the wine glass on our stone wall, to pick up when we returned. Except we returned through the fields, and not down the driveway. Once at home, we remembered. "Shouldn't you go and get it?," she asked. "No, I think it will make a cool picture."

You can be the judge. All I know is that I didn't have to bundle up again ;-)